“The 2000s were captivating,” muses Lemonade Baby, his mind traversing time. “What I find captivating about that period was that people were way more social within their subculture. And also, with electronic music, they were making songs without relying on the computer screen as much, they used samplers and drum machines, and most of all, used their ears.” It’s an era that serves as a muse for the producer’s sonic exploration, a nostalgic echo that resonates in his work.
Sailing forth from the lush, sun-kissed landscapes of Australia, Lemonade Baby imbues a distinctive blend of indie-pop with the visceral thump of alternative-dance. This vibrant synthesis finds a home in the single ‘Don’t Stop (Keep on Keepin on)‘, an ode to the 2000s. It is a vibrant piece of effervescent beats and buoyant harmonies — encapsulating the free-spirited ethos of club nights spent in the company of good friends.
Lemonade Baby’s upcoming debut EP, “XTRA POP”, promises to delve deeper into this vibrant soundscape. A mix of pop vocals and indie-dance beats, it reflects the producer’s ongoing fascination with the music of his past. We wanted to know more about the new talent and asked him seven questions!
photography by Thomas James Isaac
“Lemonade Baby,” the name is catchy. What’s the story behind it? And how does it reflect your personality or music style?
Thank you, there was a lot of thought that went into the name. The story is that I was playing with a few names, but I liked the words ‘lemonade’ and ‘baby’. I was super inspired by modern rap names like ‘Lil Pump’ and ‘Yung Lean’ and was playing around with different variations ‘Yung Lemonade’ and ‘Lil Baby,’ but ultimately, ‘Lemonade Baby’ suited me best. Maybe because I love lemonade and people love babies (old or young).
You’ve mentioned that the track ‘Don’t Stop (Keep on Keepin on)’ was inspired by a melody you heard in your head while at work. How often do these spontaneous melodies come to you, and how do you ensure you’re always ready to capture them?
The truth is I’m not always ready to capture them. In this instance, the melody was memorable enough that it came back into my head a few times before I actually recorded it. I was very lucky.
“I feel that in that period, producers were more creative with how they made sounds and samples.”
‘Don’t Stop (Keep on Keepin on)’ radiates a distinct nostalgia for the 2000s. Aside from the music, what aspects of this time period do you find especially captivating?
What I find captivating about that period was that people were way more social within their subculture. And also, with electronic music, they were making songs without relying on the computer screen as much, they used samplers and drum machines, and most of all, used their ears. I feel that in that period, producers were more creative with how they made sounds and samples versus now, where we’ve lost some appreciation for how hard it was to make digital recordings at home.
The artwork for the track is exceptionally creative. What was the thought process behind it?
Thank you. There were a few trains of thought.
The image was taken by my friend on his film camera, and rather than boosting saturation and adding filters, I wanted the tone of the image to reflect the quality of the film (which was still popular in the 2000’s).
CD’s used to be very popular, and I liked that you could burn your mixtapes onto a CD, so I wanted to use this as a visual idea for what I’ve tried to emulate.
“This project is a way for me to create music that I want to hear.”
Your music encapsulates a joyful, feel-good vibe. During more challenging times, how do you maintain this positive energy in your creative process?
Funnily enough, I struggle to keep a positive energy in my day-to-day life. This project is a way for me to create music that I want to hear.
The debut of “XTRA POP” in August is approaching. Could you share any special preparations you’re making in anticipation of this release?
I anticipate having a beer to celebrate the release. Haha. I’ve got a few more singles to release and then the big kahuna in August.
As an emerging artist in the digital age, how do you leverage technology and social media platforms in promoting your music and connecting with fans?
I think for me the aim is to just share what you’re doing. A friend said it’s about documenting your day, no matter if it’s boring, which I think I’m pretty boring, to be honest.
